| |
Uxmal
Uxmal (OOSH-mahl) means "'built three times" in the Mayan
language, and though its name is a mystery, its beauty is not. As
a World Heritage site, it is one of the best restored and maintained
ruins in the Yucatan, and certainly one of the most magnificent.
Its architecture, some of the most majestic of the Yucatan ruins,
is characterized by low horizontal palaces set around courtyards,
decorated with rich sculptural elements and details.
Uxmal was the greatest metropolitan
and religious center in the Puuc hills in the late classical period.
It thrived between the 7th and 10th century A.D. and its numerous
architectural styles reflect a number of building phases.
The Nunnery at Uxmal
Recent studies have suggested that
Uxmal was the capital of a regional state that developed in the
Puuc region between 850 to 950 AD. Other evidence suggests that
Uxmal collaborated politically and economically with Chichen Itza,
the popular ruin located between Merida and Cancun.
The most impressive structure and
the tallest at 100 feet, is the House of the Magician which you
will find just beyond the entrance. According to ancient legend,
this pyramid was built by Itzamna in one night. It actually appears
to have been built in five phases, and it was situated so that its
western stairway faces the setting sun at summer solstice.
The Nunnery, another large building
on the site, was named by the Spaniards as it reminded them of a
European nunnery. It was probably used as a school for training
healers, astrologers, shamans and priests.
The Ballcourt at Uxmal
The Governor's Palace is an excellent example of stone mosaic work
probably created by hundreds of masons and sculptors. It occupies
five acres and contains many beautiful sculptures of the rain god
Chaac, serpents and astrological symbols.
Other buildings at Uxmal include the House of
Turtles, decorated with charming turtle sculptures associated at
that time with rain, the Dovecote, a building with many separate
chambers, the House of the Old Woman, and more. Uxmal also has a
large ballcourt, enclosing a playing field that is 110 feet long
and 32 feet wide.
|
The House of the Magician
Uxmal is located about 50 miles south-west
of Merida, and will take a few hours to explore thoroughly. There
is a small museum at the entrance, as well as a snack bar, gift
shops, restrooms and various local vendors. Be sure to bring a hat,
some sunscreen and good walking shoes. A camera is probably a good
idea as well, as the buildings at Uxmal are very photogenic.
If you want to spend the night, there are a few
hotels and restaurants catering to the Uxmal visitor. Be sure to
visit our Hotel and Restaurant
pages for some suggestions, as well as our Maps
section for a map of the area. And don't miss the Light and Sound
show that takes place in the ruins at night.
To read in Spanish click here 
Uxmal's Light and Sound Show
Important Information
Climbing to the top
of the pyramid of the magician is no longer allowed.
The site is open 365 days a year.
Light and Sound Show is at 7:00 pm every night during Fall and Winter and 8:00 pm during Spring and Summer.
Open from 9 am to 5pm
Entrance fee $98.00 pesos and it includes the Light and Sound Show.
Head-phones for translations that translate the show into English, French, German and Italian are available for $25 pesos.
Lockers for bags and suitcases are available at the entrance.
Hotels
 Mayaland
www.mayaland.com
Villas Arqueologicas
www.islandercollection.com
Visit our maps
Map of Yucatan Peninsula
Map of Uxmal
Recommended reading
New Seven Wonders of the World
Spas in Yucatan
Achaeology
Transportation in the Yucatan
Travel agencies
Tours
Events & Activities Calendar
Click Here for a complete description of the activites, events and attractions in the Yucatan.
Promotions & Discounts
Click here to get the best deals for your visit in the Yucatan.
Special deals for the season
Villas Arqueologicas - 3 x 2
Pay 2 nights and get a 3rd one free when showing this page or a copy of Yucatan Today magazine.
Choose from any of our 3 destinations: Chichén Itzá, Uxmal o Cobá.
Email: cluengas@islandercollection.com
Reservations: 01 800 001 7333 &
(987) 872 9300
www.islandercollection.com
YUCATAN CONNECTION
Do you need a transfer from Merida to Uxmal, Chichen Itza, Cancun, Riviera Maya, Tulum or Campeche? We provide the service for up to 5 pax with luggage, in AC vans. Tel. (9991) 634-224 or info@yucatan-connection.com Receive a $100 pesos discount when mentioning Yucatan Today – valid April and May '08.
www.yucatan-connection.com
|
